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Chapter 43 - Tony on Tony

Gobbo, Poltious and Lance sat in the kitchen of the island home, having tea that next morning.

"He really hasn't done anything out of the ordinary. He seems stressed to me. He went to the training level there at Torchwood and beat the hell out of a bag for about an hour. Then, he returned to his flat and packed stuff away in boxes." Gobbo told them.

Lance nodded, "Jack's stuff, most likely. I wonder what happened there with them?"

Poltious shook his head. "I don't know. They seemed an odd mix if you ask me."

He nodded, "I agree. Jake's extremely independent, that's what has me wondering if he's trying to handle something on his own that he shouldn't."

"I understand. It's a good thought. I also saw some notes he made last night. He's wanting to put Rose as the Head of Security."

Lance sat back and looked surprised, "She said she was just going to do this until they found someone else."

"Looks like he has decided on 'the someone' else."

He shook his head. "Well, that shit just isn't going to happen. She'd never agree to that. John wouldn't allow it, and she's simply too busy to take that on."

Rose walked into the kitchen holding Genie's hand. "And we're here!"

Lance turned around and smiled at them. "I just spoke to John. He had to jump into a meeting."

Rose smiled, "Yes. He told me he would contact me later. He sounds like he has as busy of a day as we do."

Lance stood up, picked Genie up and held her in his arms. "Yes! And we should get started! First, breakfast with the ladies. Then, hair and make-up for you both before the interview."

Gobbo and Poltious laughed at Genie's excitement.

Lance looked at Gobbo. "Relieve Exton on that special team and keep me posted. I'm still not comfortable letting this one go."

He nodded, "I agree. Adriano has Jackie at your breakfast meeting point already. Aemilius is in the shadows."

Lance looked at Genie and smiled playfully at her, "Do you know what that means?"

Genie laughed, "We're late!"

"We're late! Let's go!"

XxxxxxXxxxxxxXxxxxxxx

The Doctor stood in the ornate meeting room of the Andromedaen castle. Summus stood next to him with his arms crossed.

"This shouldn't take long." The Doctor assured him. "Well, I hope it doesn't. I'd like to get over to the hospital and check on that patient."

Summus nodded and grunted. "Hospitals. Blah."

He looked surprised back at his friend, "I didn't know this about you."

"I don't know any warrior who likes to go to a hospital."

"So, you won't be joining me then I take it?" He asked.

"Why should I? You're a Primus. You can guard yourself." He teased.

"Shit." He complained as Tectus walked into the room. He stood next to Summus and for the first time since he had known him, the Doctor thought Summus looked small.

Tectus made a fist and held it out as a form of greeting. "It is nice to see you again, Doctor Smith."

The Doctor smiled and made a fist. He held it in front of Tectus' fist as he spoke. "Thank you for coming back to Andromeda this morning for this. I had hoped it wouldn't be necessary."

Tectus put his hand back in to his pocket. "It is no problem."

The Doctor held his hand out to Summus. "Have you met my friend, Summus the Quauthin? The Primus of the Andromedaen Guard and protector of the crown. Not to mention, a hell of a Peducko player."

Summus laughed as he held up his fist in front of Tectus'. "Peducko, indeed."

Tectus laughed. "I've not played that in years. We should get a game together. That sounds like a good time!"

Summus nodded, "Indeed. We shall."

They looked at the door to see Queen Ashena glide in. She wore long white and golden robes. Her hair was covered in a white long piece of cloth. A few strains hung out from the cloth and glowed brightly.

The men all bowed their heads respectfully.

She approached them. "Please, gentlemen. This plague sees no difference in station. Let's get to it."

The Doctor and Summus exchanged a look as they all sat down.

The Doctor began, "Right then. Your Royal Highness, I have gathered the physicians at the Andromedaen hospital, and the scientists who presently are onboard the research vessel, who will be addressing this issue with us."

He clicked a few buttons on the tabletop and the screen on the wall showed both of the groups. They bowed their head respectfully to Ashena and then the Doctor continued, "This virus, is extremely dangerous and appears to be thriving on the asteroid where the late King and Prince both perished. Using it, as we had planned, to construct the lab to find a cure to this will not be possible."

Ashena sighed, "Seems as if it has outsmarted us in this respect." She rose her head proudly, "It's no matter. We will find a way. Is it possible to have the laboratory constructed in that system with this threat so near?"

The Doctor pointed to the scientists onboard the space lab. A man nodded his head, "Yes, ma'am. But, the concern will be ships passing through that system to deliver supplies and personal. The virus can spread in that way. It is our recommendation that the area be quarantined until we can find a solution to eradicate this."

Ashena nodded, "The problem with quarantining an area in space is that it will make it an attractive target for our enemies. They will believe we are guarding something valuable with a cover story of a virus."

The Doctor leaned on the table. "In this case, that's the only option I currently see. I've consulted with the physicians and scientists. A solution is in the works, but it must be decided what will be done presently."

Ashena nodded. "The quarantine is the solution. This is what will happen. Tectus. I would like you to first build a base in this area for my military to train. Military bases are not questioned, and it will make it less inviting of an area for our enemies. We can control the areas people enter and exit, in this respect. Anyone who breaks the quarantined will be met with deadly force to prevent this from spreading. Then, build a laboratory for the scientists. This research needs to be guarded to prevent it from being turned into a weapon in the wrong hands. Doctor Smith? Your thoughts?"

The Doctor smiled and nodded his head, "This is very wise. I agree."

She faced the screens, "Thank you for being here with us today. I trust a solution will present itself in due time."

They all bowed their heads and the screens ended their connection.

With the meeting over, they all stood expecting Queen Ashena to depart. She continued to sit and smiled warmly at them. "My apologies, but I need to speak to Doctor Smith for a moment in private."

They bowed as they left the room. The Doctor, standing in front of the large windows, put his hands in his pockets and looked back at her. "What's on your mind, ma'am?"

"Ma'am, indeed. Remember." She pointed at him. "To you, I am, and will always be simply, Ashena."

He laughed and nodded his head. "Of course. Ashena. My apologies."

She held out her hand to the chair next to her. "I need to inform you of something. Please, you will want to sit down."

He groaned and took the chair next to him, "Oh dear."

"Well, it's really not as bad as I might have made it sound. But, it is something you should be informed of. The case with the Jeclaonides, has created some….questions."

He leaned on the table and threaded his hands together. "Questions?"

"There was another attack, in your absence, by another ship of Jeclaonides towards the Andromedaen Army. A supply ship in the Lyca System. They managed to get aboard and kill the crew. It's still under investigation. Summus has sent some Quauhtin to investigate, along with some soldiers."

"And let me guess, they are calling this another rogue crew that stands apart from them."

She nodded, "They are. And then there is the problem with you."

He looked confused, "I'm not following. What's the problem?"

"No one knows who you are, or where you are from. The Jeclaonides have raised the question of why my father trusted you so much, and it has caused the Andromedaens to ask why you were attacked by them. They feel we are facing is a problem from another place that we're getting pulled into a fight that is not of our own."

"They took a child from the palace. Here. They had no idea who he was. That could have been anyone's child."

"That is what I continue to remind them. Since this has happened anytime a child wonders off, or is lost sight of by their parents, they assume it was another attack by the Jeclaonides. Summus has his men patching every hole, but….the fear is a real thing here."

He sighed, "That's an extremely dangerous environment."

"Sometimes it's just easier to address the publics' questions, than it is to try to ignore it. An identity, and a past, have been created for you. You, Doctor Johnathon Smith, are a Quauhtin. Proper, from their homeworld. Trained in medicine by them, and then you sought more training from other worlds. As far as anyone knows here, you were a close, personal friend to my father and served with him during the war. You aided, secretly, with security as we rebuilt. Summus and Luce have collaborated, and a record of your service as a Quauhtin has been documented for several centuries. I asked them to make some things unclassified for the public's knowledge."

He waved his hand, "Hold on. So, the Andromedaens believe I'm from some place, hired by the Jeclaonides, to begin a war after the kidnap of my young brother?"

She nodded, "You see the problem we face."

He sat back and groaned, "Oh, this is mad."

"Whenever there is a change in leadership, there will always be people who question just how far their leaders will go. I was prepared for this. My father dealt with something similar in his time. I have never been told where you are really from, but Rose told me it wasn't Terra. Through our many conversations, I came to realize that you are the only one of your kind here. I'm certain you are very proud of your true identity and heritage, but in the absence of that, one had to be created for you. I'm sorry I didn't consult you on this, but you understand that this had to be done. Given your long life span, this could provide an explanation for a long while. I know you won't want to remain on Terra after Rose has died."

He leaned back and rubbed his hands on his trousers. He dropped his head and sighed.

"I'm so sorry to have made you uncomfortable. Logan has explained that the human lifespan is not very long. It is similar to our own. I wanted to list you as an Andromedaen, but a Quauhtin's lifespan is very long, and the universe knows that they are trusted far above any other species."

He nodded his head as he crossed his arms. "That's true."

She looked sympathetic, "John. What have you planned to do when Rose is gone? Surely it has crossed your mind recently with Lewis losing his wife."

He shook his head, "It's something I shouldn't ever have to worry about. Not for a very long while."

"I don't understand."

"It's very complicated, and it's not something Rose wants to talk about. But, she isn't completely human. She's…. something that hasn't been seen before. Something we are still trying to sort out."

"I wasn't aware of this."

"Not many are. She's very uncomfortable admitting to even herself."

"So, Pete and her mother-"

"Oh, they are human. As human as they come. Something happened to Rose to make her this way. It's not genetics. It's something I would prefer not to explain until I have a better understanding of it."

She smiled, "Of course. Well, you look very similar to a Quauhtin. You and Lewis could pass as brothers."

He chuckled, "As if he doesn't have enough of those."

She laughed, "You can never have too many of those. And your telepathy can always be explained as your link within the Quauhtin. I know it's something you don't tell a lot of people, anyway."

He nodded his head. "That's true. I suppose it had to be done."

She smiled, "I'm glad you see it as I do."

He crossed his arms and smiled at her. "This was very wise, Ashena. It seems like a small thing, but you're right. These things have a history of completely spinning out of control."

She nodded, "And rather quickly. I didn't want this to appear to be to be something between you and the Jeclaonides."

"But, it really is. It was me who blew up that ship-"

"Under my instruction. This was my call, John. The attack against your vessel was an attack against me. You were in my service at the time, with three of our ships surrounding you. This wasn't you. You said it yourself, they had no idea it was young Tony Tyler they had kidnapped that night."

He sighed and nodded, "Yes. You are right."

She leaned up and took his hand in hers. "Rose told me this is how you would respond to this news. She says you always find a way to blame yourself."

"When did you speak to Rose about this?"

She smiled at him, "Just this morning. We speak often and I appreciate her honest canter. I don't get that here. Everyone is so worried that they will disagree with me that they won't give me an opinion."

He nodded his head, "She's very good council to have."

"I completely agree. Although, she did tell me that I need to consult you more on things."

"You are always welcome to."

She smiled warmly, "I know that, John. And I thank you."

XxxxxxXxxxxxxx

After returning to his ship, The Doctor walked into the training room onboard. Tony Tyler was in the ring with Legate who was pointing at the young boy. "Now. You want to disable the person you are fighting. Alright, just like we talked about."

Tony had his hands up and was hanging on every word. "Right."

Pete, Logan and Tony Stark stood on the side of the ring.

Tony smacked the mat. "Come on, Mr. Tyler! You can kick his ass!"

Pete smiled waved his hands. "Just…. Be careful, son."

Legate gently swung his fist and made connection with Tony's headgear. He held his hands out. "Now, Tony. You didn't even try to block me. What's going on?"

Tony shook his head. "Legate. You're so much bigger than I am. I don't think this is possible."

Tony Stark groaned and slipped out of his shoes. "Hang on, Legate. I need to talk to this kid. Tony on Tony."

He jumped into the ring and got on his knees in front of Tony. "Alright. Hold your arms up. Like this. You have to block people from hitting you when you fight."

The little boy held up his arms and Tony gently swung a punch to show him how the block worked. "See. I didn't hit you in the head. Your arms are stronger than your face."

"But, he's so much bigger than me."

Tony looked back at Legate. "Hell, he's bigger than me. I'd fight him. That doesn't matter."

The Doctor stood in the doorway, unnoticed by everyone, and watched.

Tony continued to explain. "This is perfect for you, Mr. Tyler. It's just what I think you need. See, when you fight, it's a great place to use all of the anger you have inside of you. Let it just explode and…." He punched his hand, "Hit him!"

The little boy shook his head. "I don't know about this."

Tony held up his finger. "My old man told me something once. Let me see if you know this. Who is the king of the jungle?"

"The lion."

"Now, if who was bigger really mattered, wouldn't the elephant be the king?"

The boy smiled.

Tony smacked him in the chest. "Alright. Close your eyes. Pretend I'm just a small boy, like you. I'll stay right here on my knees in front of you."

The little boy closed his eyes and rolled his shoulders back. "Alright. I've got this."

Pete tossed Tony some headgear, which he put on as he spoke. He stood up on his knees and cracked his knuckles. "Right. Okay, Mr. Tyler. Focus your anger. Think about those damn aliens who hurt you and what you would like to do to them."

He kept his eyes closed. "Alright."

"And don't worry about me. You're not going to hurt me. Just…. Do what Legate was showing you."

He nodded his head, "Okay."

"And war face. It helps."

Pete rolled his eyes and then clapped. "You can do this, Tony!"

Stark slapped him in the chest again, only for Tony to grab his wrist and twist it around. Tony fell onto the mat as the little boy jumped onto his chest. A quick jab to the face made connection with his nose and Tony yelled. "Shit! Get the hell off of me, man!"

The Doctor laughed under his breath.

Pete clapped, "That's it, Tony! Well done."

The little boy quickly got off of Tony's chest and took off his headgear. "Mr. Stark? Did I hurt you?"

Tony stood up, holding his nose pinched together. "I'm fine. Don't worry about me. Just…. A lucky punch. But, that's what I'm talking about. Now. Beat up Legate."

He slipped out of the ring, still holding his nose. He took off his headgear with one hand, and tossed it to Logan.

"Want some ice, Tony?" Logan asked.

"Nah. It's fine."

The Doctor walked around and looked at Tony's nose.

Tony shook his hand away. "I'm alright. He's a kid. He just needed encouragement."

Pete crossed his arms and smiled, "Thanks for that, Tony. Look here now."

They looked up in the ring to see Tony and Legate fighting. Legate was surprised that Tony was holding his own against him. He ran and slid under Legate then kicked the back of his knee before Legate realized what he had done. Legate fell onto the mat and Tony jumped on top of him, arm pulled back ready to strike.

Legate held up his hands, "Whoa! You win!"

Pete laughed proudly and clapped. "That's amazing, son. Well done!"

The little boy smiled and bounced on the mat. "I love this mat. It's springy."

Tony rubbed his nose and sniffed. "Lucky punch. The kid isn't bad."

The Doctor smiled. "Yeah. His fighting style reminds me a lot of his sister's."

Tony turned around and pointed at him. "Did you-"

"I need to get down to the hospital. Do you still want to go?" He said and quickly walked away.

Tony looked back at Tony Tyler, jumping inside of the ring. He looked at the door that the Doctor had just walked through and pointed. "John. You suck! I'm rethinking this entire friendship."

Pete laughed at Tony's grumbling.

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